Are you ready?
Getting started - covering the basics
- Be trained. Rescue, navigation, basic skills and advanced skills are regularly offered course options. You can find a great selection of locations for courses on the BC Marine Trails member pages. An option is following the Paddle Canada accreditation program.
- Be prepared. See Sea Kayak Association list of trip planning here. Please use resources on this page to help plan your trip.
- Be connected.
- carry a VHF radio. Know how to use it. Have a license so you can communicate with vessels when necessary.
- have a float plan.
VHF Channel information
Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services broadcast channels are:
- VHF Ch 11(South of Ballenas – Merry Is., Straight of Georgia, Gulf Islands to Victoria)
- VHF Ch 71 (North of Ballenas – Merry Is.)
- VHF Ch 12 (Vancouver Harbour, English Bay, Howe Sound)
- VHF Ch 74 (Fraser River)
Canadian Coast Guard Marine Safety Search & Rescue Communications channels are:
- VHF Ch 16 (Calling & Distress) *16 (Cell phone)
- VHF Ch 83A (Working Channel)
Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) provides 24 hour up to date weather information and navigational hazards:
- VHF CHANNEL WX3 Mt. Helmcken (Victoria) & Bowen Is.
- VHF CHANNEL WX1 Texada Is.
- VHF CHANNEL 21B Mount Parke (Mayne Is.)
- 250-363-6880 Mt. Helmcken
- 250-363-6492/604-666-3655 Bowen Island & Mount Parke
- 250-339-0748 Mid-Island Area
Online information:
- Twitter @CCG_GCC
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CanadianCoastGuard
Before you even decide on a trip location you will need to have proper kayak or canoe equipment to meet Transport Canada safety regulations for a human-powered boat. First of all there is your basic list of safety equipment: